New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S419

Introduced
1/11/22  
Refer
1/11/22  
Report Pass
2/10/22  
Refer
2/10/22  
Report Pass
6/27/23  
Engrossed
6/30/23  

Caption

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

Impact

The passage of SB 419 is expected to significantly impact energy-related statutes by promoting the adoption of energy efficiency technologies and resources. By providing financial assistance and incentives, the bill encourages public entities to invest in improvements that will lower their energy bills over time. This could potentially create savings for local governments and school districts, enhancing their capacity to allocate resources to other essential services. Moreover, it addresses energy affordability for low-income customers through targeted initiatives.

Summary

Senate Bill 419, known as the Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Act, aims to establish a financing program for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements in State, local, and school district buildings across New Jersey. The bill allows the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to transfer up to $20 million annually from the societal benefits charge revenues to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to support this initiative. The primary objective is to facilitate cost-effective improvements that lead to reduced energy consumption and overall costs for public entities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 419 appears to be largely positive, with supporters advocating that the bill will pave the way for a more sustainable and economically efficient energy landscape. Proponents believe that enhancing energy efficiency is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a cleaner environment. However, there are concerns from opponents about the implications of funding models and whether reliance on societal benefits charges could lead to increased costs for consumers in the long run.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the reliance on the societal benefits charge as a funding mechanism, which may be viewed as a double-edged sword. While it provides necessary resources, critics may argue that it places a financial burden on consumers who are already facing high utility costs. Additionally, there are debates about the effectiveness of the proposed financing program in reaching its goals and the administrative capacity of the BPU and Infrastructure Bank to manage the initiative efficiently.

Companion Bills

NJ A4131

Same As Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4131

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S201

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A574

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S218

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S886

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A3139

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A1474

Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S3467

Establishes "NJ Green Bank" in EDA; appropriates $50 million from societal benefits charge to initially fund program.

NJ S3603

Establishes "NJ Green Bank" in EDA; appropriates $50 million from societal benefits charge to initially fund program.

NJ A5255

Establishes "NJ Green Bank" in EDA; appropriates $50 million from societal benefits charge to initially fund program.

Similar Bills

NJ A4131

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ S201

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

NJ A574

Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program.

CA SB5

Affordable Housing and Community Development Investment Program.

CA AB1561

Economic development: infrastructure: logistic hubs.

CA SB852

Climate resilience districts: formation: funding mechanisms.

CA AB639

California Workforce Development Board: port automation and climate change.

CA SB711

Electrical corporations and gas corporations: rates and charges.